Reducing your cost of living
Housing allowance
The housing allowance is a public subsidy which offsets the cost of accommodation. Housing allowances are granted either as a rental subsidy to tenants of a flat or room, or residents of an institutional home. Students are generally not entitled to housing allowances. However, there are exceptions which the Housing Authority of the City of Münster describes in detail.
More information on housing allowances
Student discounts
Students in Münster are eligible for numerous rebates and discounts at restaurants, cafés, libraries, museums and cinemas. Going out with friends and having a good time doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money. For example, students frequently receive discounts on:
- Admission fees to museums, theatres and cinemas, as well as organisations near the University (also in combination with the cultural semester ticket, included in the semester fee)
- Hair dressers
- Fitness studios
- Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Opening bank accounts
- Mobile phone contracts
Not only do these discounts depend on your student status, but occasionally on your age as well. Some organisations offer discounts to students under the age of 25 to 30.
It almost always pays off to have your student ID with you wherever you go. If you don't see any mention of a student discount at a ticket counter, it never hurts to ask if they offer one. And another tip: At the weekly market on the Domplatz, you can purchase fruit, vegetables and flowers at reduced prices shortly before closing time (Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 pm to 2:30 pm).
Culture semester ticket:
You can currently get discounts or even free admission to a total of 15 institutions in Münster. We have summarised all the offers on this page and below you will find the websites of all the institutions. More information is also available on the AStA website.